The subsidies received by farmers in England were released earlier this year in one of the first high-profile tests of the Freedom of Information Act. Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Slovenia and parts of Spain have alsro released their figures.

As the figures emerged, it became clear that large argibusinesses are the major benefitiaries of the EU’s most expensive programme.

Now France, the biggest receipient of CAP funds, is coming under the spotlight.